One hundred and eighty Fontana Unified School District seniors were recognized by the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools for their proficiency in bilingualism and biliteracy, an achievement that will earn them the State Seal of Biliteracy (SSB) at graduation. The District’s 180 seniors, who are on track to meet the state’s rigorous SSB eligibility requirements by graduation, were recognized by San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools Ted Alejandre during a virtual ceremony on Oct. 16.
Fontana Unified has launched its 24th annual Fontana Santas Toy Drive, in which community organizations, District employees and Fontana residents come together to bring holiday cheer to families in need. Donations of unwrapped toys and gift cards can be dropped off at the Fontana School Police Department, 9680 Citrus Ave., Building 9, Fontana, and at all FUSD campuses. The toy drive will culminate with a drive-thru distribution event for families in need identified by school sites, to be held on Saturday, Dec. 18 at the District Office.
Almond Elementary School students are being encouraged to put on their director’s caps and call out ‘lights, camera, action!’ as the school launches its Pacer Production Studios afterschool video program, where Almond students are learning the basics of filmmaking with the assistance of Summit High School TV production students. Nearly 50 Almond Pacer fourth-, fifth- and sixth-grade students meet after school three days a week to learn a variety of film production techniques, including lighting, camera positioning, editing, scriptwriting, adding music and title sequences, and how to be an on-air personality.
Fontana Unified to Hold Parent Meetings for Dual-Language Program
Fontana Unified School District will hold virtual information meetings for its Spanish Dual-Language Immersion (DLI) program on Tuesday, Nov. 16 and Thursday, Nov. 18. The District’s DLI program, which begins in kindergarten and is offered at Redwood Elementary School and Dolores Huerta International Academy, aims to foster bilingualism and biliteracy, sociocultural competency and high levels of academic achievement. For meeting times, language options and links, visit the FUSD DLI page.
Fontana Unified Students Recognized as ‘Academic Trailblazers’
Canyon Crest Elementary fifth-grader Matilda Vinuela and Fontana High School senior Miranda Ordoñez were recognized by San Bernardino County Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr. as District 5 Academic Trailblazers during the Oct. 6 Fontana Unified Board of Education meeting. The award, given in celebration of National Hispanic Heritage month, recognizes high-achieving students for their academic and civic achievements. Ordoñez, who serves as the District’s 2021-22 Board of Education student representative, balances Advanced Placement classes with a variety of campus clubs and activities. Vinuela came to Fontana Unified not speaking any English; despite being in unfamiliar surroundings, she immediately began to blend in as she listened, asked for help, and made friends quickly.
Fontana Unified CTE Teacher Appears on CBS Show ‘Tough As Nails’
While Fontana High School’s newest career technical education instructor, Lamar Hanger, guides students in developing carpentry skills in the classroom, his own expertise is being showcased across the U.S. on the television show “Tough As Nails” – which premiered Oct. 6 on CBS. Hanger brings versatile experience in construction, welding, metal-stud framing, and lath to the CBS competition series for working-class professionals and to his new position at Fontana High School, where students are receiving a hands-on education that can lead to apprenticeships and career opportunities.
Fontana Unified to Host COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic for Community
Fontana Unified School District has partnered with Walgreens to offer a COVID-19 vaccine clinic from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 9 at Fontana High School, 9453 Citrus Ave., Fontana. The clinic is open to anyone ages 12 and up who is interested in receiving their first, second or booster does of the Pfizer vaccine. No appointment is necessary.
While Fontana High School’s newest career technical education (CTE) instructor, Lamar Hanger, guides students in developing carpentry skills in the classroom, his own expertise will be showcased across the U.S. on the television show “Tough As Nails” – airing Wednesday, Oct. 6 on CBS. A 32-year member of the Southwest Regional Council of Carpenters (SWRCC), Hanger brings versatile experience in construction, welding, metal-stud framing, and lath to his new position at Fontana High School (FOHI). Following a successful teaching stint through the apprenticeship program at SWRCC, Hanger was inspired to bring the union’s existing education program, Career Connections, to Fontana Unified. Career Connections is a CTE program that provides students with a practical STEM education, supported by a state- and District-approved curriculum that features projects and hands-on learning.
Henry J. Kaiser High School’s softball field will be renamed the John “Spotty” Stevens Memorial Field, honoring the longtime athletic coach, security officer and locker room attendant who mentored Fontana student-athletes, teachers, and administrators for more than 30 years. The Fontana Unified Board of Education approved the renaming of the field during its Sept. 8 meeting.
Southridge Tech Middle School has been redesignated as a Microsoft Showcase School, reaffirming the school’s commitment to providing its students with access to digital platforms and bridging the technology gap. Southridge Tech was first designated in 2018. The middle school is one of just three schools in California and 30 schools across the United States to receive the designation in 2023, joining a global network of schools from Europe, Asia, Africa, North and South America, and Australia.
